Audit Shows Mismanagement in Neb. Assistance Programs

(AP) — An audit says two state programs designed to help vulnerable Nebraskans are plagued by mismanagement and poor oversight.

State Auditor Mike Foley said Monday that some of the issues are criminal in nature.

Foley says auditors looked at two programs, the State Disability Program and Assistance to the Aged, Blind and Disabled. The programs provide cash payments to low-income residents for food, clothing, shelter and medical expenses.

Foley says some recipients got payments even though they were living in state facilities and had no living expenses.

He says one woman, Judith Widener of Scottsbluff, served as a legal guardian to more than 600 people and appears to have used state payments for personal expenses.

Widener was charged Friday with theft by taking. An attorney wasn’t listed in online court records.

I am speechless! My sister was one of this woman’s victims. I remember her telling my mother she should have more money coming in, and my mother thought she was imagining things! Or the fact that the program it’s self is a mess. They fired her psychiatrist and then didn’t have one to replace them. No med refills, breakdown ensued, hospital stay and then she passed away!! The whole system needs to be revamped!!